1877.] 143 [Bendire. 



lows on the lower Sylvies River, in company with other species of 

 herons. 



146. Ardea candidissima (Gml.). Little White Egret. 

 The same remarks apply to this species, which is found in the same 



locality. 



147. Wyctiardea nsBvia (Bodd.). Night Heron. 



An extremely common summer resident, breeding in large numbers 

 on the lower Sylvies River, where their nests are often placed in quite 

 low willows, not more than three feet from the ground. 1 



148. Ardetta exilis (Gray). Least Bittern. 

 Apparently rare. I have seen it on but two occasions. It is, how- 

 ever, easily overlooked, and may be rather common. 



149. Botaurus minor (Gml.). Bittern. 



A moderately common summer resident, found in all the swamps 

 throughout this section of country, even in the mountains, oftener 

 heard, however, than seen. The usual number of eggs laid by this 

 species is five and six, and seven even is not very uncommon. 



150. Grus canadensis (Linn.). Sandhill Crane. 



A common summer resident. Breeds abundantly on the lowlands 

 as well as in the highest mountain valleys. Their hoarse cries can be 

 heard almost everywhere where there is any water to be found, and 

 as long as the locality is comparatively quiet, as they are a shy and 

 wary bird. Each pair seems to occupy a certain district during the 

 breeding season, and I have never found two pairs breeding within 

 half a mile of each other. The eggs are usually laid about May 

 1, and I have never found more than two in a nest. The largest of 

 these measure 4.25 X 2.34 and 4.20 X 2.42 of an inch. 2 



151. Porzana Carolina (Linn.). Carolina Rail. 



This species occurs here during the breeding season, but whether 

 common or not I am unable to say; have only seen it on three or four 

 occasions. I have had it brought to me alive by Indians. 



152. Porzana jamaicensis (Gml.). Little Black Rail. 

 Seen on two occasions in the swamps near Malheur Lake, where it 



unquestionably breeds. 



153. Fulica americana (Gml.). Mud-hen. 



A very common summer resident, found in large numbers on Mal- 

 heur Lake, where it breeds. 



1 1 believe that Ardea virescens breeds in the same locality, and may be quite 

 common, but I have not seen any specimens. 



2 The white or whooping crane is not found in this country; probably none are 

 found west of the Kocky'Mountains. 



PROCEEDINGS B. S. N. H. — VOL. XIX. 10 OCTOBER, 1877. 



